Meaning
A strong and reliable commitment that is expected to be kept.
Cultural Background
The concept of 'Abroo' (honor/face) is tied to your word. Breaking a 'Qol-e Mohkam' can lead to a loss of social standing in the community. In the traditional bazaar, many multi-million dollar deals are still done with a 'Qol-e Mohkam' and a handshake, without immediate paperwork. Filmmakers like Asghar Farhadi use the tension of a 'broken promise' to explore moral ambiguity in modern Iran. Younger generations use 'Qol-e Mohkam' to distinguish between 'Ta'arof' (politeness) and actual plans.
The 'Ezafe' is Key
Make sure to pronounce the small 'e' between Qol and Mohkam. Without it, it sounds like a list of words rather than a phrase.
Don't Overuse
If you give a 'Qol-e Mohkam' for everything, people will stop believing you. Save it for the big stuff!
Meaning
A strong and reliable commitment that is expected to be kept.
The 'Ezafe' is Key
Make sure to pronounce the small 'e' between Qol and Mohkam. Without it, it sounds like a list of words rather than a phrase.
Don't Overuse
If you give a 'Qol-e Mohkam' for everything, people will stop believing you. Save it for the big stuff!
Ta'arof Check
If someone gives you a 'Qol-e Mohkam,' they are usually serious. If they just say 'Inshallah' (God willing), they might be doing Ta'arof!
Test Yourself
Fill in the blank with the correct adjective to make a 'firm promise'.
من به شما قول _______ میدهم که فردا اینجا باشم.
'Mohkam' is the standard collocation for a firm promise.
Which verb is typically used with 'Qol-e Mohkam'?
او به من قول محکم _______.
The verb 'dādan' (to give) is used to make a promise.
Complete the dialogue with the most appropriate phrase.
دوست: 'واقعاً پولم را پس میدهی؟' من: 'بله، _______.'
This phrase provides the reassurance the friend is looking for.
Match the phrase to the situation.
In which situation is 'Qol-e Mohkam' most appropriate?
It is used for serious commitments, like professional tasks.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
4 exercisesمن به شما قول _______ میدهم که فردا اینجا باشم.
'Mohkam' is the standard collocation for a firm promise.
او به من قول محکم _______.
The verb 'dādan' (to give) is used to make a promise.
دوست: 'واقعاً پولم را پس میدهی؟' من: 'بله، _______.'
This phrase provides the reassurance the friend is looking for.
In which situation is 'Qol-e Mohkam' most appropriate?
It is used for serious commitments, like professional tasks.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
5 questionsNo, it's used in friendships, families, and romantic relationships too. Any time you need to show you are serious.
No. While 'Ghavi' means strong, it's not used for promises. It sounds like 'a muscular promise' which is weird.
'Qol' is more personal and immediate. 'Va'de' is more formal, often used by politicians, and can sometimes imply an empty promise.
Not at all. It shows you value the commitment. You can say: 'میشه به من قول محکم بدی؟' (Can you give me a firm promise?)
You say 'Zir-e qolam zadam' (I hit under my promise).
Related Phrases
قول مردانه
similarA man's word / word of honor
وعده توخالی
contrastEmpty promise
تعهد دادن
specialized formTo give a formal commitment
زیر قول خود زدن
contrastTo break one's promise
